Understanding how binge eating relates to obesity in food-insecure adolescents
Official title: Binge Eating as a Mechanism Underlying the Food Insecurity-Obesity Paradox in Adolescents
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11141966 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how not having enough food can lead to obesity in teenagers, especially through binge eating, and it aims to find ways to help young people from low-income backgrounds eat healthier and maintain a healthy weight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HD108200-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141966 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents experiencing food insecurity who may also struggle with binge eating behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not experience food insecurity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between food insecurity and obesity in adolescents, focusing on binge eating as a potential contributing factor. The project aims to identify modifiable mechanisms that can be targeted for obesity prevention among adolescents from under-resourced backgrounds. Led by Dr. Vivienne Hazzard, a registered dietitian and public health researcher, the study employs advanced statistical methods and intervention design to explore these relationships. By understanding these dynamics, the research seeks to inform effective strategies for promoting food security and healthy weight in affected populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that help reduce obesity rates among food-insecure adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing binge eating can be effective in obesity prevention, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hazzard, Vivienne M — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Hazzard, Vivienne M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Binge eating as a link between food insecurity and obesity in teens
A study in adolescents explores whether binge eating helps explain why food insecurity is linked to higher obesity risk, with the goal of guiding better prevention.
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Food FARMacia: Helping Children in Food-Insecure Homes Maintain a Healthy Weight
This project is testing a mobile food pantry program called Food FARMacia to help young children in families facing food insecurity achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
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Understanding Binge Eating and Obesity in Adolescents Facing Food Insecurity
This project aims to understand how binge eating might connect food insecurity with obesity in teenagers, helping us find better ways to support their health.
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Addressing food insecurity to help prevent childhood obesity
This study looks at how not having enough healthy food can lead to weight problems in kids, and it aims to find ways to help families get better access to nutritious meals, especially in communities that need it most.
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Exploring how food insecurity affects weight gain during and after pregnancy
This study is looking at how not having enough food can affect weight gain during pregnancy and after having a baby, focusing on how feelings and social situations play a role in what women eat; it's designed for women who might be facing these challenges and aims to find better ways to support their health.
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How early life food insecurity affects child obesity and cognitive development
This study looks at how not having enough food during pregnancy and early childhood affects kids' growth and thinking skills, helping us understand the connection between food access and health from birth to age 18.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.